Enhancing Addictions Training Within the Core Competencies for General Psychiatry Residents

Determination of treatment intensity and level of care for patients with addictive disorders requires knowledge of contributing factors such as medical complications related to substance use, co-occurring mental health conditions, readiness and motivation for treatment, as well as the patient’s living environment and risk of continued substance use. Residents must recognize the unique impact of disparities in access to care for mental health and addictive disorders for those of different racial, ethnic, gender, age, and sexual orientation groups. Use American Society of Addiction Medicine Patient Placement Criteria as a model for longitudinal treatment planning Residents should understand parity, carve-outs, private vs. public options of care, and the role of stigma within systems Supervisor evaluations Multisource evaluations (360° Assessments) SBP systems-based practice, PBLI practice-based learning and improvement, PROF professionalism, ICS interpersonal and communication skills If no formal addiction treatment rotation sites are available, consider field trips to learn about other addiction resources in the community (e.g., sober housing, therapeutic communities, opioid treatment programs (“methadone clinics”), syringe services programs, another institution’s detoxification or addiction treatment specialty unit, court-mandated treatment clinics/diversion programs, physician health programs, or community recovery meetings).